Back to bare metal .... best way?

[eddypeck]

I've just taken on a 1988 Mk2 Golf GTI project that on the face of it looks OK...

but it's not been on the road since 2007 and the floor and sills etc. are quite badly rotten (Don't worry I knew this when I bought it so I've not been stitched up).

And that's pretty much the story all over. No doubt once I start digging I'll find a whole heap more trouble.

My first job is to strip it to a shell and take a good look before any final decision.

But once I reach that stage, if I decide to continue I was wondering what the best next step should be.

I've been considering getting the whole shell acid dipped, or shot/media/bead blasted... or perhaps just deal with it locally an area at a time as it's mostly the floor level that needs attention. Above the sill could just have the odd blemish addressed here and there as required???

I know I could break it for parts and easily double my money, but it's a special edition "one in ten million" to commemorate the milestone production of ten million golfs. So I think it's worth trying to save if I can.

I've got anther Mk2 GTI so I know what I'm doing with these cars I've just never done a restoration to this extent before. But my plan is to make a factory fresh example.

I'm in North Bristol, if anyone knows of any local dippers/blasters etc. to recommend in the area.

 

[CompoSimmonite]

If the rot is restricted to the lower areas then why strip the whole car as better leaving the upper area alone. BTW my MKII Golf had rot under windscreen screen rubber so gently lift them up to check

 

[eddypeck]

If the rot is restricted to the lower areas then why strip the whole car as better leaving the upper area alone. BTW my MKII Golf had rot under windscreen screen rubber so gently lift them up to check

Well the obvious rot is restricted to the lower areas yes, there are small blemishes elsewhere but nothing that looks too serious on the face of it. It sees quite common for them to go under the windscreen seal, this one has a small blistering in this area (as did my other one) so until I get the glass out I won't know how deep it goes. Inner wings, A pillars and sunroof cassettes are common too, So perhaps I'm getting ahead of myself before I've really got the facts.

I'm thinking I'll get a rollover jig so can deal with the floor with wire and flap wheels, etc.

But I just want to do the best car I can and maybe I've just fancy the idea of a proper bare metal rebuild but perhaps that's unnecessary and overkill, hence why I'm asking. Thanks.

 

[steveo3002]

id go with local spot blasting on the scabs you can find

acid dipping gets in the seams and comes out to ruin the paint job later on

 

[eddypeck]

A few more pics for good measure:

So would something like this be worth getting?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/311195608359?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

I have a 2hp/50l compressor but am considering upgrading anyway.

 

[Wendelspanswick]

All sandblasters gobble air like a man just about to enter a lift with the winner of a baked bean eating competition! You need at least a 3 hp compressor and that will struggle.
Do you have a decent pressure washer as you can get sand blasting attachments that work well.

 

[eddypeck]

Ah, yes I have a pressure washer. It's a B&Q one not a branded one but it's at the top end of their range. I wasn't aware of a sand blasting attachment, I'll look into it.

But I take it that's a water and wet sand solution, is that a good idea?

 

[eddypeck]

Just read this: http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/threads/wet-sandblasting.21814/

So best option I think, rather than DIY it will be to send it somewhere once it's down to a bare shell.

In which case that brings me back to which process to use and any local recommendation?